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Your guide to the best places to visit on the south coast of England – from Cornwall to Kent, and everywhere in between.
Stretching some 300 miles, England’s south coast is officially the sunniest part of the UK. This means it’s the ideal place for a summer holiday!
Lined with dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches and hidden coves, and plenty of picture-perfect seaside towns… there’s a lot to discover.
I grew up in Weymouth, a seaside town on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, and have always lived somewhere in the south of England. I’ve even written two Lonely Planet guidebooks about the southwest!
In this post, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite discoveries – and taken recommendations from local bloggers to create the ultimate guide to England’s south coast, broken down by county. Enjoy…
Short on time? There’s a map and a quick version of this list at the bottom of this page. Use the contents menu below or scroll down to the end for the quickest version – otherwise, read on for the full guide…
READ MORE: 33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England
Best Places to Visit on the South West Coast
CORNWALL
1. Scilly Isles
The Scilly Isles are one of my personal favourites – and still something of a hidden gem. This is a small cluster of islands just off the coast of Cornwall, in the far southwest of the country.
Think empty beaches where long grasses wave from the tufts of white sand dunes, rocky coves home to lively seal colonies, and rugged cliffs topped with colourful wildflowers.
The islands can only be reached by ferry or in a tiny plane from Newquay airport. There’s no way to take a vehicle with you, and cars are few and far between, so pollution is incredibly low. Which means the wildlife of these quiet little islands is stunning!
READ MORE: Discovering Island Life on Tresco
2. Minnack Theatre
Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird
If you’re looking for somewhere unique to visit by the coast, you need to add the Minack Theatre to your Cornwall itinerary. This incredible place is unlike anywhere else: an open-air theatre carved into the cliff.
Created on private land by a wealthy family, this theatre regularly puts on shows and plays, which are incredible to watch against the backdrop of the Cornish cliffs. When shows aren’t scheduled, you can walk around the theatre and explore the small museum to learn more about how it was built. Or, take advantage of the cafe and enjoy the views.
Top Tip: the carpark at the theatre is not very large. Arrive early unless you want a long walk up a very steep hill!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Devon and Cornwall 5 Day Small Group Tour
3. St Ives
Recommended by: Sylvie, Travels with Eden
St Ives is one of the most popular seaside towns in Cornwall, and with good reason! The coastal town is well-known for its beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes, delicious food and booming art scene.
A day at the beach is a must-do. I recommend Porthminster Beach. With calm seas, white sand and a backdrop of palm trees, what more can you want?
If you’re feeling adventurous, Porthminster is the gateway to the South West Coast path. Walk to the neighbouring town of Carbis Bay for another beach day.
READ MORE: See my guide to what to do in St Ives to get planning! You should also check out my post about nearby St Agnes to see more of the north Cornish coast.
4. Lizard Peninsula
Recommended by: Annabel, Smudged Postcard
The Lizard Peninsula is a peaceful area of dramatic coastline and pretty fishing villages in the southwest of Cornwall. Highlights include Lizard Point -the most southerly part of England – where visitors can enjoy Cornish cream teas whilst admiring the rocky coastline.
Popular Kynance Cove, a beautiful beach of sand, rocks and caves, is located on the western side of the Lizard.
The peninsula boasts some excellent coastal hiking trails, and is bordered in the north by the Helford River, a perfect spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
5. Charlestown
Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller
For a dose of pirates, seafood and some of the clearest ocean in the UK, head to the 18th-century port village of Charlestown and see a different side of Cornwall.
Tucked away on the south coast near St Austell, this charming spot was once a thriving harbour for importing coal and exporting china clay. Today, it retains much of its Georgian character and is the perfect destination for filming locations – you may recognise it from Poldark and Hornblower!
Keep an eye out for the small fleet of square-rigger ships and don’t miss the excellent Shipwreck Treasure Museum. There are also several fantastic restaurants serving some of the freshest seafood in the country.
6. Fowey
Recommended by: Nicola, Global Mouse Travels
Fowey is the perfect seaside stop-off and one of our favourite places in Cornwall. There’s something almost film-set-like about it, with fisherman’s cottages lining the narrow streets down to the harbour. At the quayside, where lobster posts jostle for position, it looks timeless.
There are plenty of places to pick up Cornish classics like fish and chips, pasties and fudge, but just taking a wander and breathing in that delicious salty sea air is invigorating. Don’t miss a boat ride on the river! We have had so many trips to beautiful Cornwall, and Fowey truly typifies this picturesque part of the country.
7. Polperro
Recommended by: Sabrina, Moon & Honey Travel
Brimming with charming cottages and the most picture-perfect harbour in Cornwall, Polperro is an idyllic fishing village and the perfect destination for romantics and history buffs.
Learn about the village’s smuggling history in the Polperro Smugglers Museum, or follow the South West Coast – you can head east towards Looe or west to Polruan. While Polperro can be visited in a day, I recommend spending at least one night here. Read this Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary for help planning your trip.
DEVON
8. Torquay
Recommended by: Chris and Heather, A Brit & A Southerner
If you are looking for one of the best days out in Devon, head over to the area nicknamed as the “English Riviera” – in particular the beautiful coastal town of Torquay. One of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, Torquay offers a plethora of attractions, local restaurants, and much more.
Spend an afternoon walking along the seafront, before heading to the marina, were, you will find a myriad of restaurants and cafes serving the fresh catch of the day.
Torquay is also famous as the birthplace of Agatha Christie – one of the world’s best-loved crime fiction writers! Take a guided tour like this one to discover the many locations that are featured in her novels and learn more about her life.
9. Exmouth
Recommended by: Claire, Go South West
Just half an hour away from the city of Exeter, Exmouth is a quaint seaside town, sitting at the meeting point of the River Ex’s estuary and the beginning of the Jurassic Coast, which stretches down into Dorset. From Exmouth, you can hike along this coast, taking in some spectacular clifftop views on the way to neighbouring town Budleigh Salterton.
Visit villages near Exmouth; such as the medieval dwelling of East Budleigh with many historic thatched-roof buildings or Otterton, a small village of 700 people focused around a mill. Exmouth is also perfect for a beach-focused holiday, with amusements, a sandy beach, and plenty of accommodation facilities!
10. Burgh Island
Recommended by: Fiona at London-Unattached
Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon is a lovely, traditional seaside town with a fabulous child-friendly sandy beach. Walk across the sand or get the unique sea tractor to Burgh Island. At high tide, the island is cut off and the tractor is the only way to reach it.
Burgh Island Hotel was the height of fashion in the 1930s and 40s, with many famous guests including Noel Coward, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie – who set some of her novels there!
Whether or not you are staying at the hotel, it’s worth a visit. Walk around the island or swim in the stunning mermaid pool – filled with seawater and surrounded by craggy rocks.
READ MORE: Best Places to Visit in South Devon
DORSET
11. Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is easily one of the best places to visit on the Dorset coast. It’s also one of the most popular! This colourful seaside town lies between golden cliffs famed for their abundance of prehistoric fossils.
Although it’s always been a popular holiday spot, Lyme has had a resurgence in recent years. Especially as more and more trendy boutique hotels and hot new restaurants open their doors. Among them is the HIX Oyster & Fish House, run by celebrity chef Mark Hix.
12. Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a 96-mile stretch of dramatic coastline running from East Devon and along almost all of the Dorset coast. The coast’s huge geological importance brought UNESCO to label it the first-ever ‘natural’ World Heritage Site.
Rich in prehistoric fossils, with rugged cliffs and coastal structures shaped by millennia of sea movement, the coastline is said to offer an almost continuous “walk through time” spanning 185 million years of the Earth’s history!
One of the star attractions here is Durdle Door. A rocky limestone archway over the sea, the “door” juts out into the English Channel between two stunning bays. It’s an absolute must-visit in Dorset, and one of the most photographed sights in the area.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Bus Tour (from £35pp)
13. Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks is one of the best beaches in Dorset, if not along the whole of England’s south coast! Running along a small peninsula between Poole and Bournemouth, Sandbanks is also home to the most expensive seaside properties in the world! Nearby Poole Harbour is home to over a dozen yacht clubs and marinas, as well as some amazing seafood restaurants.
The beach is incredible and has been awarded a Blue Flag 32 years in a row! With calm, safe waters and clean golden sands, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular beaches in the area. It can get busy on sunny days, but the beach is huge so there’s always plenty of room!
14. Isle of Purbeck
Although not quite an island, the Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula in Dorset bordered by water on three sides. It’s also one of the prettiest places in the whole county!
This stunning peninsula is covered with wildflower-filled chalk grasslands, dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and charming villages. The southernmost tip ends in a series of white chalk stacks known as Old Harry Rocks, another must-see along the south coast of England.
Don’t miss a trip to the seaside village of Swanage, or the stunning hilltop ruin of Corfe Castle. You can even ride on a beautiful vintage steamtrain between the two!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Isle of Purbeck Full Day Tour (from £60pp)
Best Places to Visit on the South East Coast
HAMPSHIRE
15. Lymington
Recommended by: Eniko, Travel Hacker Girl
Lymington is a pretty, coastal town on the Solent. Sailing is very popular in the area, so there are many beautiful marinas in the town. Some also offer kayak rentals. Children love The Lymington Sea Water Swimming Baths in the town, home to an inflatable playground that’s fun for the whole family.
An easy walk from the town centre is the Lymington Nature Reserve. The old salt flats with tidal pools are a great environment for many birds. It is a real paradise for bird watchers. Lymington can be easily reached by train from London. The nearby New Forest is a popular place to go cycling, horse riding or hiking near London.
16. Isle of Wight
Recommended by: Darek, Darek and Gosia
Located a stone’s throw away from the southern coast, the Isle of Wight is a perfect place to spend a weekend break. The ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth only takes around 40 minutes.
With amazing beaches, stunning landscapes – like the famous rock stacks called The Needles – and unique places like the Garlic Farm, the Isle of Wight has a lot to offer! You can take a guided day trip from London – or head there for a minibreak.
SUSSEX
17. Thorney Island
Recommended by: Vicky, Day Out in England
Thorney Island is a small island just off the south coast, near Chichester. It’s totally underrated but makes for a lovely 9-mile walk around the coast. Walkers might be put off by the barbed wire gates to enter – Thorney Island is MOD property – but once you’re through, you’ll love the easy walk.
The path around is pretty straightforward, but the centre is out of bounds so you can’t cut across. The high point is the beautiful white sand beach, about three-quarters of the way around. Enjoy!
Top Tip: There are no facilities on the island, which makes it all the more peaceful – but remember to take plenty of water and snacks or a picnic!
18. Brighton and Hove
Recommended by: Skye, Skye Travels
Ever popular with daytrippers from London, Brighton is one of the liveliest beach towns on the south coast.
Beyond the beach, the city is known for its fantastic shopping, rich nightlife, and strong independent scene. The Laines is a fancy shopping district with high-end restaurants, jewellery shops and unique boutiques, while North Laine is a bohemian collection of hip cafes, independent shops and vintage stores.
Visiting the Royal Pavilion Museum is also a must, both inside and out. Finally, make sure to visit the pier, once the largest in the world, complete with arcades and carnival rides at the end.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Guided day trip to Brighton and the Seven Sisters from London (from £89pp).
19. Eastbourne & the Seven Sisters
Recommended by: Shobha, Just Go Places
Eastbourne is a charming Victorian seaside town – and the gateway to the South Downs National Park. This national park is the UK’s newest, covering three counties in the south of England.
One of the most beautiful parts of the South Downs National Park is the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Apparently, they earned their name because seafarers returning home to England thought the cliffs resembled nuns when the white of the cliffs contrasted with the dark green landscape.
20. Rye and Camber Sands
Recommended by: Ann, The Road Is Life
The charming little town of Rye near the coast of East Sussex is known for its beautiful medieval buildings. It’s easily one of the highlights of the historic region known as 1066 Country.
The cobbled streets of Rye are full of history and character, especially the famous Mermaid Street, home to one of England’s oldest pubs. A trip to Rye simply isn’t complete without stopping at the iconic Mermaid Inn!
A 10-minute drive from Rye will take you to a lovely golden beach. Stretching for 3 miles, Camber Sands is a popular spot for kite surfing, picnics and scenic coastal strolls. It’s also said to be one of England’s most beautiful beaches.
GLAMPING NEARBY: Check out my review of Swallowtail Hill glamping for the most gorgeous place to stay near Rye.
KENT
21. Folkestone
Recommended by: Caitlin, The Vegan Word
Folkestone may be best known as the Eurotunnel’s location, but there’s plenty to explore! If you enjoy nature walks, East Cliff and Warren Country Park have beautiful views. You’ll find an easy (though steep!) access point from Sunny Sands Beach.
Folkestone is also home to a sandy beach (Sunny Sands) located conveniently close to the town centre and the harbour. Don’t miss Folkestone Harbour Arm, a former harbourside railway station and ferry port that’s now home to dozens of independent shops and eateries!
22. White Cliffs of Dover
Recommended by: Nicole from Nicole LaBarge Travel Blog
The White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most iconic landmarks. You can walk along the sixteen-mile trail which runs eight miles on either side of Dover and take in the stunning views chalky white cliffs along the way.
You can also visit two historical places along the way. The first is the Fan Bay Deep Shelter: a tunnel system commissioned by Winston Churchill in 1940 and used during WWII. The second is the Victorian-era South Foreland Lighthouse.
This trail has been named one of Britain’s Best Coastal Walks and you’ll find some of the best beaches in Kent here.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Guided day trip to Dover and Canterbury from London (from £79pp).
23. Kingsgate Bay
Recommended by: Hannah, Hannah’s Happy Adventures
Kingsgate Bay is a perfect hidden beach in Kent. Due to its remote location, the bay often remains empty on a summer’s day. Head down with a picnic and swimming gear for a day chilling in the sun in relative peace.
On one side of the bay lies Kingsgate Bay Sea Arch, a superb photo opportunity. On the other, lies a historic manor house, now used for functions and weddings. At low tide, you can walk around to the bays on either side: Botany Bay and Joss Bay. However, these both tend to be significantly busier.
24. Margate
Recommended by: Angela, Where Angie Wanders
Margate has always been the epitome of an iconic English seaside town. The town’s once-abandoned theme park, aptly known as Dreamland, has now been given a retro theme makeover with rides, shows, and even a roller rink.
Of course, it’s Margate’s sandy beach that pulls in the crowds. But head into town and discover the eclectic vintage shops, tea rooms and antique stores – a nod to a generation that is looking for something other than fish and chips.
A day in Margate is like a throwback to childhood when a trip to the beach was a grand occasion. The difference now is that you can finish your day at one of the chill-out bars that line the promenade and enjoy a cocktail or two!
RELATED POST: Things to do in Ramsgate (just up the road from Margate)
25. Whitstable
Recommended by: Laura of What’s Hot?
Whitstable is a beautiful seaside town less than an hour away from London by train. With rows of quaint shops leading down to the beach, it’s hard to believe that this town is so close to busy London.
With a choice of excellent fish and chip shops, ice cream shops, and more, a day trip to Whitstable is the perfect option on a sunny day. The beach is lined with colourful beach huts making it look like something straight off a postcard. Make sure to try some fresh oysters straight from Whitstable Bay too!
Best Places to Visit on South Coast of England: Map & Quick List
Quick List: South West England
- Scilly Isles
- Minnack Theatre
- St Ives
- Lizard Peninsula
- Charlestown
- Fowey
- Polperro
- Torquay
- Exmouth
- Burgh Island
- Lyme Regis
- Durdle Door & the Jurassic Coast
- Sandbanks Beach
- Isle of Purbeck
Quick List: South East England
- Lymington
- Isle of Wight
- Thorney Island
- Brighton and Hove
- Eastbourne
- Rye and Camber Sands
- Folkestone
- White Cliffs of Dover
- Kingsgate Bay
- Margate
- Whitstable
Where would you add to this list of the best places to visit on the South Coast of England? Scroll down to leave a comment and share your favourite spots!
You’re so lucky to have grown up in Weymouth. I love visiting there! I grew up inland but moved to the seaside a few months ago and it makes me so happy. I live on the Somerset coast – not included in your article but equally beautiful in it’s own way!
It was a really special place to grow up – I took it for granted at the time but having the beach right there was amazing! We used to go down to the beach after school any time it was sunny, which is a pretty nice way to grow up :) I know I missed out Somerset – only because I was trying to stick to places that were actually on that bottom section of coastline, facing the Channel. We went to Butlins Minehead every year when we were kids so I know all about how nice that bit of coast is :D
I am planning a trip to England and Scotland for a month starting in mid-June and your information has been so helpful in my planning of the south coast and Cornwall. I made all kinds of notes on my map with your highlights. Thank you so much – I am very much looking forward to checking out your suggestions!
Oh that’s amazing news, glad to hear it helped!! Good luck with the planning, I hope you have an amazing time in the UK. Especially in south England – I’m biased but I really think this part is the best!!
Thank you so much for the whole write up. It’s very informative. I’ll like to be in Brighton &Hove, hope to get a reasonably priced accommodation there. Thanks again.
Thanks for commenting Vincent :) I hope you have a great trip!